Horse trainer accused of abuses by PETA

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky and New York racing officials said Thursday that they are investigating allegations of animal cruelty in horse trainer Steve Asmussen's stable at Churchill Downs and Saratoga Race Course.

The allegations stem from an undercover investigation at the two tracks by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which also put a 9 minute, 30 second video on its website containing numerous clips of Asmussen assistant Steve Blasi using profanities.

PETA alleges the stable used an electronic “buzzer” to shock horses into running harder, administered unnecessary drugs to horses, hired undocumented immigrant workers and paid less than the minimum wage.

No video is shown of a buzzer in use, and there is no audio of Asmussen on the video.

Clark Brewster, an attorney for Asmussen and Blasi, said they welcome the state investigations. He said PETA’s investigation, conducted throughy a person who walked horses for Asmussen, was an effort to “take as much stuff out of context” as possible.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said in a statement that it had been notified of possible violations by “licensees at Churchill Downs” and would investigate and then take appropriate action.

John Asher, Churchill’s vice president of racing communications, said the track would await the commission’s findings.

Kentucky Labor Cabinet spokesman Dan Lowry also confirmed that a wage-and-hour law complaint had been filed against the company doing business as Asmussen's racing stable. Lowry said the complaint alleges multiple violations, but he said the document is confidential.

The New York State Gaming Commission said its investigation began March 18 when PETA presented its information.

“The allegations and footage provided by PETA are extremely troubling and we are fully investigating the matter,” Robert Williams, acting Executive Director of the New York State Gaming Commission, said in a statement.

“PETA has offered to assist the Commission in its investigation, and we welcome such cooperation. We expect that all other parties involved will be forthcoming as well.”

The allegations regarding drug overuse include furosemide, a controversial anti-bleeding drug that is legal but widely used.

Although he said he had not seen copies of the complaints, Brewster said he believes the talk of a buzzer surrounded an unfounded allegation that a buzzer had been used in last year’s Travers Stakes at Saratoga.

That didn’t involve either Asmussen or Blasi, he said.

“This is an agenda by, I think, a rather extremist organization,” he said.

Reporter Gregory A. Hall can be reached at (502) 582-4087. Follow him on Twitter at @gregoryahall.